Illustration for 'Aeneid' by I. Kotlyarevsky 1919

This illustration for 'Aeneid' by Heorhiy Narbut presents a stylized scene with flat colours and decorative patterns. The overall effect is less about realism and more about creating a visual tapestry. I'm really drawn to the texture in this illustration - or rather, the suggestion of texture. Look closely, and you'll notice the absence of traditional shading or depth. Instead, Narbut uses intricate patterns and contrasting colors to define forms. The floral motifs on the central figure's tunic, for instance, or the regimented lines of soldiers in the background. These details are not just decorative, they actively shape the way we perceive the image. Consider also the dominance of red – the capes, boots, and accents throughout the composition create a visual rhythm. In a way, Narbut anticipates the vivid color palettes of later artists like Matisse or the decorative impulses of someone like Gustav Klimt. Like them, he shows us that art is an ongoing conversation, where artists borrow, reinterpret, and push the boundaries of visual expression.